Sliding adjustable toggle clamp

ABSTRACT

A tool including a pair of rails is attachable to the inside surface of the skin panel. A housing is pivotally and slidably connected between the pair of rails. The housing is pivotable about a first axis and is slidable along grooves in the pair of rails. The housing has a first end and a second end opposite each other. The tool includes a rod having a third end and a fourth end, the third end attached to and extending from the first end of the housing. The tool also includes a pressure foot attached to the fourth end of the housing. The pressure foot includes a curved ankle integrally formed with a flat flange, the curved ankle curving into the flat flange. The pressure foot is configured to apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface of the skin panel when the housing is in a vertical position.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for applying pressure toskins of an aircraft during drilling operations when manufacturing theaircraft.

2. Background

Many skin panels are riveted together when manufacturing aircraft, usingmany rivets. Even two skin panels may be riveted using six thousandrivets or more. The process of riveting generally starts with pressingtwo skin panels together tightly at the location of a drill site,drilling a hole through both skin panels, and then driving a rivetthrough the hole. This process is repeated for each rivet.

Pressing the skin panels together tightly is important so that burs,flash, or other inconsistencies are not formed on one or both skinpanels during drilling. If such inconsistencies form, then the skinpanels are separated, the holes are cleared of the inconsistencies in aprocess known as de-burring, and then the skin panels are aligned andput back together again for riveting. However, this process wastes timeand resources, so it is preferable to avoid the inconsistencies in thefirst place by tightly pressing the skin panels together duringdrilling.

To increase the speed of this procedure, pairs of robots work togetheron opposite sides of the skin panels to press the skin panels together,drill the hole, and then drive the rivet through the hole. However, dueto protruding features such as frames and stringers formed on the insidesurfaces of the skin panels, space for the robots may be limited incertain areas on the inside surface of the skin panel. Thus, the robotor robots operating on the inside side of the skin panels will haveinsufficient space to operate properly in these areas.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus thattake into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as wellas other possible issues. Specifically, one issue is to find a methodand apparatus for applying pressure to areas of the inside surface of askin panel where space is limited so that a robot on the opposite sideof the skin panel can drill rivet holes without creatinginconsistencies. Another issue is to find a method and apparatus forquickly moving the pressure-applying device from hole location to holelocation to increase the speed of the riveting operation.

SUMMARY

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides for a toolfor applying pressure to an inside surface of a skin panel of anaircraft. The tool includes a pair of rails attachable to the insidesurface of the skin panel. The tool also includes a housing pivotallyand slidably connected to the pair of rails between facing insidesurfaces of the pair of rails such that the housing is pivotable about afirst axis defined between the facing inside surfaces of the pair ofrails and through the housing, and such that the housing is slidablealong the grooves of the pair of rails. The housing has a first end anda second end opposite each other relative to the pair of rails. The toolalso includes a rod having a third end and a fourth end, the third endattached to and extending from the first end of the housing. The toolalso includes a pressure foot attached to the fourth end of the rod. Thepressure foot includes a curved ankle integrally formed with a flatflange, the curved ankle curving into the flat flange. The pressure footis configured to apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface ofthe skin panel when the housing is in a vertical position relative tothe inside surface of the skin panel.

The advantageous embodiments also provide for a method for manufacturingan aircraft using a tool comprising a pair of rails attachable to aninside surface of a first skin panel. The housing is pivotally andslidably connected to the pair of rails between facing inside surfacesof the pair of rails such that the housing is pivotable about a firstaxis defined between the facing inside surfaces of the pair of rails andthrough the housing, and such that the housing is slidable along thegrooves of the pair of rails. The housing has a first end and a secondend opposite each other relative to the pair of rails. The tool alsoincludes a rod having a third end and a fourth end, the third endattached to and extending from the first end of the housing. The toolalso includes a pressure foot attached to the fourth end of the rod, thepressure foot comprising a curved ankle integrally formed with a flatflange. The curved ankle curves into the flat flange. The pressure footis configured to apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface ofthe first skin panel when the housing is in a vertical position relativeto the inside surface of the first skin panel. Using this tool, themethod includes bringing together the first skin panel and a second skinpanel. The method also includes attaching the pair of rails to theinside surface of the first skin panel. The method also includesapplying a backing force to the second skin panel. The method alsoincludes pivoting the housing until the pressure foot applies pressureagainst the inside surface of the first skin panel against the backingforce.

The advantageous embodiments also provide for a manually operated clampcapable of being in position along a rail, for use in the fabricationand assembly of aircraft stow bins. The clamp includes a sliding pivotpositionable along a rail. The clamp also includes a lever attached tosaid pivot comprising a first end including a hand grip and a second endincluding a clamp foot. Said foot remains in a stationary position andapplies a force to a workpiece when the lever is positioned so that thedirection of said force is generally normal to said rail.

The features and functions can be achieved independently in variousembodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet otherembodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrativeembodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrativeembodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjectives and features thereof, will best be understood by reference tothe following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a technique for applying pressure to the insidesurface of a pair of skin panels brought together for drilling andriveting, the technique using a drilling template, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a technique for applying pressure to the insidesurface of a pair of skin panels brought together for drilling andriveting, the technique using another drilling template, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates placement of a rail system for a sliding adjustabletoggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a first step for indexing a rail system for a slidingadjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second step for indexing a rail system for asliding adjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a third step for indexing a rail system for a slidingadjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth step for indexing a rail system for asliding adjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a first step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a second step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a third step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a fourth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a fifth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a sixth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a seventh step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates an eighth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a ninth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates a sliding adjustable toggle clamp with an additionalpressure handle, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a first variation of a pressure foot, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates a second variation of a pressure foot, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a third variation of a pressure foot, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates a manually operated clamp and rail system, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 23 illustrates a close-up view of the manually operated clamp andrail system shown in FIG. 22, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 24 illustrates use of a specific clamp of the manually operatedclamp and rail system shown in FIG. 22, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a sliding adjustable toggle clamp, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a method for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments may recognize and take into account one ormore different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodimentsrecognize and take into account that burs, flash, or otherinconsistencies may arise when two or more skin panels are broughttogether and then a hole drilled through the skin panels. Thus, theadvantageous embodiments provide for a temporary back-up reaction forceload restraint to an aircraft skin lap joint surface in opposition tomanufacturing process loads sufficiently to eliminate secondary processde-burring of associated drilled holes.

The advantageous embodiments also provide for a contact lengthadjustable rocking toggle clamp shoe supported equidistant between arectangular framework incorporating guided linear bearing mounts. Thisdesign provides for the toggle clamp mechanism to slide along the railframe until in a specific location along the rail.

The frame rail assembly is indexed and locked in location withassociated vacuum suction cups to a predetermined surface seam. Theclamp foot is slid in position along the rail. In position, the clampfoot is swung out pivoting and rotating about the contact shoe contourwhile applying an increasing load in relation to the cam pivot angularrelationship. Load sensors within the foot mechanism indicate appliedloading corresponding to a manual adjustment to the overall length ofthe foot to axis pivot to an external indicator.

Thus, the advantageous embodiments provide for a method and apparatusproviding a temporary back-up reaction force load restraint to ametallic skin lap joint surface in opposition to manufacturing processloads. A contact length adjustable rocking toggle clamp shoe issupported equidistant between a rectangular framework. The advantageousembodiments include incorporated guided linear bearing mounts providesfor the toggle clamp mechanism to slide along the rail frame to aspecific location.

The frame rail assembly is indexed and locked in location with vacuumsuction cups about a predetermined surface seam. A clamp foot is slid inposition along the rail and is manually swung out pivoting and rotatingabout the contact shoe contour applying an increasing load in relationto the cam pivot angular relationship. A clamp foot mechanismincorporating load sensors within in the foot mechanism indicates anapplied loading corresponding to a prior manual adjustment to theoverall length of the foot to axis pivot. Thus, the advantageousembodiments provide for a clamp foot mechanism incorporating loadsensors within the foot mechanism relaying loads to an externalindicator. The advantageous embodiments may be further varied.

FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Aircraft 100 includes wing 102 and wing 104 attached tofuselage 106; engine 108 attached to wing 102; and engine 110 attachedto wing 104. Fuselage 106 has tail section 112. Horizontal stabilizer114, horizontal stabilizer 116, and vertical stabilizer 118 are attachedto tail section 112 of fuselage 106.

FIG. 2 illustrates a technique for applying pressure to the insidesurface of a pair of skin panels brought together for drilling andriveting, the technique using a drilling template, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an inside surface of skin panel202, which forms part of a fuselage, such as fuselage 106 of FIG. 1. Theinside surface of skin panel 202 includes obstructions which interferewith a working on the inside surface of skin panel 202. Theseobstructions include, for example, frame 204 and stringer 206.

Typically, another robot on the opposite side of skin panel 202 works intandem with the robot operating on the inside surface of skin panel 202.When these robots work together, they provide the desired force pressingagainst each other to ensure that the skin panels (including skin panel202) are pressed together tightly to prevent burs during drillingthrough the skin panels. However, frame 204 and stringer 206 interferewith operation of the robot operating on the inside surface.Nevertheless, pressure is still to be applied against the inside surfaceof skin panel 202 against pressure applied by the robot on the outsidesurface (not shown).

One technique usable to apply pressure to the inside surface of skinpanel 202 is to attach template 200 to the inside surface of skin panel202. Rails or tooling 208 may support template 200, being attached toboth skin panel 202 and to frame 204 and/or stringer 206. Pattern ofholes 210 is provided in template 200. Pattern of holes 210 match thelocations where holes are to be drilled in skin panel 202 and likewisewhere rivets are to be subsequently driven. The force applied by railsor tooling 208 to template 200 provides the desired back force to beapplied against the counter force applied by the robot on the outsidesurface of skin panel 202.

A first disadvantage to using template 200 is that a specific templateis usually tooled or created for each individual space between frames orstringers which the inside robot has difficulty reaching. In some cases,a unique tool is created for a specific area of a specific aircraft. Thetime and expense of designing and forming custom templates is notdesirable.

A second disadvantage to using template 200 is that often significanttime is spent installing template and rails or tooling 208. This timeexpended is also expensive and not desirable.

FIG. 3 illustrates a technique for applying pressure to the insidesurface of a pair of skin panels brought together for drilling andriveting, the technique using another drilling template, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. The technique described with respect toFIG. 3 is similar to that shown in FIG. 2, in that template 300 is usedto apply pressure to the inside surface of skin panel 302.

Again, rails or tooling 304 is attached to frames 306 of skin panel 302.Rails or tooling 304 secure template 300 against skin panel 302. Frames306 in rails or tooling 304 may be turned to increase or decrease theforce applied by template 300 to skin panel 302. Pattern of holes 308 intemplate 300 are presented through which holes are drilled in skin panel302.

A first disadvantage to using template 300 is that a specific templateis usually tooled or created for each individual space between frames orstringers which the inside robot has difficulty reaching. In some cases,a unique tool is created for a specific area of a specific aircraft. Thetime and expense of designing and forming custom templates is notdesirable.

A second disadvantage to using template 300 is that often significanttime is spent installing template 300 and rails or tooling 304. Thistime expended is also expensive and not desirable.

FIG. 4 through FIG. 21 illustrate the use of a sliding adjustable toggleclamp with a rail system for holding the sliding adjustable toggleclamp. FIG. 4 through FIG. 21 illustrate the same devices from differentperspectives in order to show the operation of the system. Thus, FIG. 4through FIG. 21 share common reference numerals that refer to the sameobjects having the same functions. More particularly, FIG. 4 throughFIG. 7 show placement and indexing of the rail system used with thesliding adjustable toggle clamp. FIG. 8 through FIG. 17 show use of thesliding adjustable toggle clamp. FIG. 18 through FIG. 21 showalternative designs for the sliding adjustable toggle clamp. Attentionis now turned to the individual figures.

FIG. 4 illustrates placement of a rail system for a sliding adjustabletoggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Initially,rail system 400 is placed on skin 402 of fuselage 404. Although railsystem 400 is shown being placed manually by a technician, rail system400 could be placed automatically by a robot. As can be seen from FIG.4, space for operating a riveting robot is limited on portions of skin402 due to the presence of frames, such as frame 406, frame 408, andframe 410.

Rail system 400 includes a pair of rails, rail 412 and rail 414. One ormore legs extend from rail 412 and rail 414 for resting rail system 400on skin 402. In this illustrative embodiment, six legs are present,three for each rail. Thus, shown are leg 416, leg 418, and leg 420, allextending from rail 412, as well as leg 422, leg 424, and leg 426, allextending from rail 414. More or fewer legs may be present. Cross beams,such as cross beam 428, may be added to connect pairs of legs togetherfor additional reinforcement of rail system 400.

Rail system 400 includes flexible object 430, which is used to connectrail system 400 to a frame, such as frame 406, to a stringer, such asstringer 432, stringer 434, or some other object on skin 402. Flexibleobject 430 may be a rope, string, line, cord, bungee cord, tubing,strap, or any other like object. Flexible object 430 may be fixedlyattached to rail system 400, or may be attached to a cord housing with aretractable spring, which is attached to rail system 400. Thus, in anillustrative embodiment, flexible object 430 may be wrapped up in thecord housing when not in use. A second flexible object, similar toflexible object 430, may be disposed on the opposite side of rail system400 so that rail system 400 may be balanced solely by use of theflexible objects. More or fewer flexible objects may be present in otheradvantageous embodiments.

Additionally, flanges, such as flange 436, are attached to the ends ofeach of the legs. In an illustrative embodiment, not all legs need tohave flanges. The flanges will act to grip skin 402 once a vacuum isapplied inside the flanges. In effect, the flanges act as suction cupsto firmly lock rail system 400 in place on the surface of skin 402. Theflanges may be made from rubber, though any material suitable for use insuction cups or vacuum applications may be used.

Rail system 400 also includes tubing 438. Tubing 438 extends into rail412 and rail 414, though in other advantageous embodiments tubing 438may run along or below these rails. Wherever tubing 438 runs withrespect to rail system 400, the tubing establishes fluid communicationbetween vacuum source 440 and spaces inside the flanges, such as flange436.

In use, as shown in FIG. 4, rail system 400 is secured to skin 402. Inan illustrative embodiment, two different methods are used to securerail system 400 to skin 402, though more or fewer techniques could beused. Thus, either or both of flexible object 430 and flanges, such asflange 436, may be optional in some advantageous embodiments. If neithertechnique is used, then a technician or a robot could simply hold railsystem 400 in place while in use. Nevertheless, as shown in FIG. 4, twosecuring mechanisms are used to secure Rail system 400 to skin 402.

Initially, rail system 400 is secured to skin 402 by connecting flexibleobject 430 to a frame, such as frame 406, to a stringer, such asstringer 434, or some other object on skin 402. If a second oradditional flexible object is provided, these may also be attached tothe same or different frames, stringers, or some other objects on skin402.

Next, vacuum source 440 is connected to tubing 438. When vacuum source440 is actuated, a vacuum is established inside the flanges on the endsof the legs, such as inside flange 436 of leg 424. The vacuum createspressure seals inside the flanges, thus securing the legs and hence railsystem 400 to the surface of skin 402.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first step for indexing a rail system for a slidingadjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Indexing, as used herein, is the process of aligning rail system 400along a row of rivets or along a row where holes for rivets will bedrilled in skin 402. FIG. 5 represents an optional intermediate stepbetween securing rail system 400 to skin 402 using flexible object 430and securing rail system 400 to skin 402 using vacuum source 440.

As shown in FIG. 5, two flexible objects are initially used to suspendrail system 400 from frames or stringers, flexible object 430 andflexible object 442. When rail system 400 is placed manually, doing sofrees up the technician's hands so that the technician may perform thefollowing indexing operations.

After rail system 400 is suspended, indexing device 444 is connected torail system 400. Optionally, indexing device 444 may have already beeninstalled on rail system 400. Indexing device 444 may be attached torail system 400 by use of projections on mounts, such as projection 446protruding from mount 448, placed on either side of indexing device 444.The projections slide into grooves in the rails, such as groove 450 inrail 414. Indexing device 444 is then slid along and between the pair ofrails until indexing device 444 reaches a desired location, as describedwith respect to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

Indexing device 444 also includes cross beam 452 from which leg 454extends, at a right angle as shown in this example. Cross beam 452 ispivotably attached to the mounts, such as mount 448, so that cross beam452 may rotate about the long axis of cross beam 452. Indexing foot 456is attached to the end of leg 454. Indexing foot 456 is used in theprocess of indexing rail system 400, as described further below withrespect to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. During the indexing process, rail system400 may be adjusted up and down or side to side with respect to skin 402during the indexing process so that rail system 400 is placed preciselywhere desired. Thereafter, vacuum source 440 is actuated, securing railsystem 400 in precisely the desired location.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second step for indexing a rail system for asliding adjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. FIG. 5 showed indexing device 444 being installed betweenthe rails of rail system 400. FIG. 6 shows indexing device 444 slidfurther along between rail 412 and rail 414. Additionally, FIG. 6 showsthat leg 454 of indexing device 444 has been pivoted downwardly withrespect to a height of rail 412 and rail 414 above skin 402.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third step for indexing a rail system for a slidingadjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.FIG. 7 shows a different perspective, as viewed from straight overindexing device 444. Relative to the position shown in FIG. 6, indexingdevice 444 is now pivoted such that leg 454 is in a vertical positionrelative to skin 402.

Indexing foot 456 is now shown disposed over row 458. Row 458 may be arow of rivets, or a row of marks indicating where holes are to bedrilled in skin 402. If marks are not used, indexing foot 456 is placedin an initial location where a future row of holes is to be drilled inskin 402. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, indexing foot456 is placed over first mark 460. A hole in indexing foot 456 allows atechnician to visualize when the hole in indexing foot 456 is alignedwith first mark 460. To effect this alignment, rail system 400 may beadjusted back and forth or up and down, or a combination thereof, untilthe hole in indexing foot 456 is aligned with first mark 460.

After this initial alignment has been completed, indexing device 444 ispivoted upwardly away from skin 402 and then slid along rail 412 andrail 414. At least one other alignment position is then taken, asdescribed with respect to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth step for indexing a rail system for asliding adjustable toggle clamp, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. FIG. 8 shows an indexing step taken after aligning the holein indexing foot 456 with first mark 460, as described with respect toFIG. 7. In FIG. 8, indexing device 444 has been slid along rail 412 andrail 414 until a mark, rivet, or subsequent point along a row of futureholes has been reached.

At that point, leg 454 of indexing device 444 is pivoted downwardlytowards skin 402. The hole in indexing foot 456 is then aligned withsecond mark 462. This alignment is effected by adjusting the position ofrail system 400 upwardly and downwardly and/or forwardly and backwardlylaterally relative to skin 402 until the hole in indexing foot 456 isaligned with second mark 462. During this second adjustment, theposition of rail system 400 with respect to first mark 460 remainsconstant.

Thus, when adjustment of rail system 400 is complete, rail system 400 isaligned with row 458. When rail system 400 is aligned with row 458,vacuum source 440 is actuated. As a result, the flanges on the ends ofthe legs of rail system 400, such as flange 436, are held fast to skin402. In this manner, rail system 400 is secured tightly by one or morevacuum seals to skin 402.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 4 through FIG. 8 described rail system400, its installation on skin 402, and optionally its indexing along row458 where holes are to be drilled in skin 402. Now, FIG. 9 through FIG.17 illustrate sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 and its use, inconjunction with rail system 400, in applying pressure to precisepredetermined locations in skin 402. More particularly, FIG. 9 showsinstallation of sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 onto rail system400.

Sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 includes housing 902. Three holesare placed in housing, including hole 904, hole 906, and hole 908. Thepurpose of these holes is to receive a rod and pressure foot and toallow one of adjustment tool 910, adjustment tool 912, or adjustmenttool 914 to apply force to the rod, as indicated further below. In someadvantageous embodiments, force sensor 916 is attached to housing 902.As described further below, force sensor 916 may be used to monitor anamount of force applied by sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 to thesurface of skin 402.

In an illustrative embodiment, housing 902 includes indexingprotrusions, such as indexing protrusion 918. Indexing protrusion 918 inthis illustrative embodiment is a rail, but in other advantageousembodiments may simply be a rod that extends out of either side ofhousing 902. In any case, indexing protrusion 918 slides into groove 464of rail 412. A second indexing protrusion is on the other side ofhousing 902 already in rail 414. Once these indexing protrusions are inplace within the grooves within the rails, housing 902 may be slid alongthe rails.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Relative to FIG. 9, housing 902 has been slidfurther along rail 412 and rail 414.

FIG. 10 also shows rod 920 being inserted into hole 904. Rod 920, inconjunction with pressure foot 922, will be used to apply pressure toskin 402 of fuselage 106 of FIG. 1. Note that each of holes 904, 906,and 908 are sized and dimensioned to receive rod 920. In this manner,the technician (or robot if automatically applied) may select where,within the distance between rail 412 and rail 414, rod 920 will belocated. Thus, the plurality of holes grants flexibility as to preciselywhere pressure will be applied to skin 402.

Rod 920 and the plurality of holes shown in FIG. 10 are all square incross section. However, the cross section of rod 920 may be any shape,including circular, star-shaped, triangular, irregular, or any desiredshape. Thus, the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 10 does notnecessarily limit the claimed inventions below.

FIG. 11 illustrates a third step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Relative to FIG. 10, housing 902 is in the samelocation along rail 412 and rail 414. However, housing 902 has beenpivoted downwardly towards skin 402 such that hole 904, hole 906, andhole 908 are no longer visible in this perspective.

In FIG. 11, housing 902 is being tilted so that pressure foot 922 isbeing brought into contact with skin 402 in the location of row 458.Again, row 458 may be a row of rivets, or a row of marks indicatingwhere holes are to be drilled in skin 402. If marks are not used,pressure foot 922 is placed in an initial location where a future row ofholes is to be drilled in skin 402. Note, also, that the distance thatrod 920 is inserted into hole 904 has been adjusted such that pressurefoot 922 may be placed against skin 402.

FIG. 12 illustrates a fourth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Relative to FIG. 11, housing 902 has beentilted so that rod 920 is pointing in a direction that is aboutperpendicular to skin 402. Thus, in this perspective, rod 920 andpressure foot 922 are not visible. The perspective is changed again inFIG. 14 and FIG. 15 so that operation of rod 920 and pressure foot 922become apparent.

However, in FIG. 12, adjustment to the amount of force applied to rod920 is shown. To adjust the amount of force applied to rod 920 andthence to pressure foot 922, a plurality of knobs is provided. The knobsinclude knob 924, knob 926, and knob 928. Respective bolts extend fromthese knobs into corresponding holes, including hole 930, hole 932, andhole 934. Although the terms “knob” and “bolt” are used, these terms donot limit the shape of these objects. What is disclosed is theirfunction, as described herein, and their shapes may vary as desired.

In an illustrative embodiment, hole 930 communicates with hole 904, hole932 communicates with hole 906, and hole 934 communicates with hole 908such that each hole is a single continuous hole. However, in otheradvantageous embodiments, intervening plates, springs, stops or otherobjects could be present. Thus, the holes need not fully communicatewith each other.

In an illustrative embodiment, each hole 930, hole 932, and hole 934 arethreaded holes. In this case, each of knob 924, knob 926, and knob 928include threaded bolts that extend therefrom into their respectiveholes. Thus, a technician (or a robot if automatically applied) may turnone of the knobs to adjust the extent to which a threaded bolt extendsinto a respective hole. In an illustrative embodiment, the end of thethreaded bolt will press against the end of the pressure foot in theopposing hole, thereby adjusting the amount of force the pressure footapplies to skin 402.

In an illustrative embodiment, force sensor 916 is attached to housing902. Force sensor 916 includes probes (not shown) which are disposedsuch that force sensor 916 can sense the amount of force being appliedto rod 920, and hence to skin 402. Screen 936 on force sensor 916 maydisplay the amount of force being applied so that the technician (orrobot) may evaluate whether to tighten knob 924 or loosen knob 924 untilthe desired amount of force is applied.

FIG. 13 illustrates a fifth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Relative to FIG. 12, cap 938 has been added tocover knob 924, knob 926, and knob 928. Cap 938 may serve at least twofunctions. First, cap 938 may allow a technician to handle slidingadjustable toggle clamp 900 more easily. Second, cap 938 may protect theplurality of knobs from being actually actuated.

In an illustrative embodiment, sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 maybe moved from mark to mark or from place to place along row 458. Theprocedure for doing so is to tilt sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900upwardly, slide sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 along rail 412 andrail 414 to the next position, and then tilt sliding adjustable toggleclamp 900 back down such that pressure foot 922 again applies pressureto skin 402. This operation is shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. Becausetypically the distance between skin 402 and rail 412 and rail 414remains constant along the length of row 458, the distance that rod 920is inserted into sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 does not need tochange, and likewise the pressure applied by the corresponding knob doesnot need to change. Thus, the technician can simply rock and slidesliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 along the pair of rails whilegripping cap 938 as desired until all holes in row 458 have beendrilled.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sixth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 14 shows housing 902 being pivoted;representing another perspective of that shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11.The operation shown in FIG. 14 takes place before (or after) theoperation shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. FIG. 14 also shows more detailsof pressure foot 922.

As shown in FIG. 14, a technician is pivoting housing 902 of slidingadjustable toggle clamp 900 into place to apply pressure to skin 402along row 458. Also shown are rail 412, rail 414, leg 416, leg 418, andflange 436 of rail system 400.

Pressure foot 922 is attached to an end of rod 920. Pressure foot 922includes curved ankle 923 integrally formed with flat flange 925. Curvedankle 923 curves into flat flange 925. Pressure foot 922 is configuredto apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface of skin 402,which may be characterized as a skin panel, when housing 902 is in avertical position relative to the inside surface of the skin panel.

In an illustrative embodiment, flat flange 925 of pressure foot 922 mayinclude first portion 927 integrally formed with curved ankle 923 ofpressure foot 922. Flat flange 925 of pressure foot 922 may also includesecond portion 929 connected to first portion 927 only by elastic member931 such that second portion 929 bends towards the pressure applyingdevice (sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900) when the pressure applyingdevice is pivoted against the inside surface of the skin panel. Elasticmember 931 may be a pair of springs.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 14, when pressure foot 922 is initially beingforced into place on skin 402, second portion 929 of flat flange 925 ofpressure foot 922 bends upwardly. This action temporarily reduces thepressure applied to skin 402 as pressure foot 922 moves through an angleas sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 is pivoted into place. However,once pivoted into place, as shown in FIG. 15, second portion 929 liesflat in the same plane as first portion 927.

FIG. 15 illustrates a seventh step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Relative to FIG. 14, sliding adjustable toggleclamp 900 has finished pivoting into place such that rod 920 is aboutperpendicular to skin 402. Pressure foot 922 is now in place and theforce applied by pressure foot 922 to skin 402 helps to prevent burswhen a drill from the other side of skin 402 drills a hole in skin 402.The drill will drill its hole through skin 402 and through hole 934 ofpressure foot 922. Thus, hole 934 of pressure foot 922 receives thedrill bit driven through the other side of skin 402.

FIG. 16 illustrates an eighth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. In this illustrative embodiment, row 458 ofholes has already been drilled in section 1636 of skin 402. However, nowsliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 must be moved past frame 408 inorder to continue applying pressure along row 458 in section 1638 ofskin 402.

To accomplish this act, the technician (or robot) pivots housing 902 ofsliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 a sufficient amount to lift rod 920and pressure foot 922 over frame 408. Then the technician (or robot)slides housing 902 along rail 412 and rail 414 until sliding adjustabletoggle clamp 900 is past frame 408. The technician (or robot) thenpivots housing 902 of sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 in theopposite direction until rod 920 is again about perpendicular to skin402 so that pressure foot 922 can again apply pressure to skin 402. Thisprocess continues to repeat until all holes have been drilled or rivetsdriven in row 458.

FIG. 17 illustrates a ninth step for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp for applying pressure to a surface, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. In this operation, rod 920 is moved to anotherhole in housing 902 of sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900. Rod 920 maybe moved to another hole in order to change to which row pressure foot922 is applying pressure on skin 402. In FIG. 16, pressure was beingapplied to individual portions of row 458. In FIG. 17, pressure is to beapplied to individual portions of row 466.

To accomplish this act, the technician (or robot) removes rod 920 fromhole 904. The technician (or robot) then inserts rod 920 into hole 906.Housing 902 of sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 is then tilteddownwardly towards skin 402 until rod 920 is about perpendicular to skin402. The process of tilting housing 902, sliding housing 902 along rail412 and rail 414, and then tilting housing 902 down can be repeated foreach hole to be drilled in skin 402 or each rivet to be driven. However,now row 466 can be drilled or riveted instead of row 458, but withoutre-aligning rail system 400 with respect to skin 402.

The advantageous embodiments described with respect to FIG. 9 throughFIG. 17 may be varied. For example, more or fewer rails may be present.Additional sliding adjustable toggle clamps may be present for multiplerails, with the sliding adjustable toggle clamps possibly connected toeach other for tandem sliding and pivoting. More or fewer holes may bepresent in housing 902. More or fewer knobs and bolts may be present inhousing 902. More, fewer, or different force sensors may be present.Rail system 400 may have more or fewer legs, more or fewer flanges, moreor different cross beams, all of varying configurations, placements, andshapes. The tubing for vacuum source 440 may be inside or outside of therails shown, and may be implemented using a variety of different vacuumsystem models. More, fewer, or different securing systems for securingrail system 400 to skin 402 may be present. For example, clamps orbraces attached to rail system 400 may be present and configured to beattached to stringers and/or frames of skin 402. Accordingly, if suchclamps or braces are present, then neither legs nor flanges arenecessary to attach rail system 400 to skin 402, though clamps andbraces may also be provided in addition to the legs and flanges. Thus,the advantageous embodiments shown in FIG. 9 through FIG. 17 do notnecessarily limit the advantageous embodiments described herein andclaimed below.

FIG. 18 illustrates a sliding adjustable toggle clamp with an additionalpressure handle, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 18shows a possible variation in sliding adjustable toggle clamp 900 ofFIG. 9 through FIG. 17. Sliding adjustable toggle clamp 1800 of FIG. 18includes many of the same parts described with respect to slidingadjustable toggle clamp 900 of FIG. 9 through FIG. 17, such as forexample, housing 1802, rod 1804 and pressure foot 1806.

However, sliding adjustable toggle clamp 1800 also includes severaladditional features. In particular, sliding adjustable toggle clamp 1800also includes second rod 1808 and handle 1810. Optionally, brace 1811can be provided to reinforce pressure foot 1806. As can be seen in FIG.18, second rod 1808 extends from handle 1810 to flat portion 1812 ofpressure foot 1806. Handle 1810 may be used by a technician (or robot)to more easily pivot and slide sliding adjustable toggle clamp 1800during the operations described above with respect to FIG. 9 throughFIG. 17. Optionally, in different advantageous embodiments, handle 1810could be used to apply additional manual pressure to the aircraft skinpanel by pushing down on handle 1810, which force is transferred to flatportion 1812 of pressure foot 1806. Note that other variations ofsliding adjustable toggle clamp 1800 are possible, such as but notlimited to additional rods, or different configurations of housing 1802.

FIG. 19 through FIG. 21 illustrate variations of pressure foot 922 ofFIG. 9 through FIG. 17, or of pressure foot 1806 of FIG. 18. Thus, FIG.19 through FIG. 21 should be viewed together.

In particular, FIG. 19 illustrates a first variation of a pressure foot,in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Pressure foot 1900includes ankle portion 1902 and flat portion 1904. Flat portion 1904includes integral segment 1906 and separate segment 1908. Separatesegment 1908 is connected to integral segment 1906 via springs or otherelastic members that allow separate segment 1908 to move duringplacement on a skin panel, as described with respect to FIG. 14. In thisillustrative embodiment, pressure foot 1900 also includes a U-shapedarch 1910 which reinforces or braces ankle portion 1902 and integralsegment 1906 of flat portion 1904.

FIG. 20 illustrates a second variation of a pressure foot, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. Pressure foot 2000 includes ankleportion 2002 and flat portion 2004. Flat portion 2004 includes integralsegment 2006 and separate segment 2008. Separate segment 2008 isconnected to integral segment 2006 via springs or other elastic membersthat allow separate segment 2008 to move during placement on a skinpanel, as described with respect to FIG. 14. In this illustrativeembodiment, pressure foot 2000 also includes a U-shaped arch 2010 whichreinforces or braces ankle portion 2002 and integral segment 2006 offlat portion 2004. U-shaped arch 2010, and the overall dimensions ofpressure foot 2000, are more narrow than corresponding dimensions ofpressure foot 1900 of FIG. 19.

Different pressure feet of different dimensions could be used in thesame housing, depending on the holes being drilled or the size of therows being treated while applying pressure during drilling or rivetingoperations. Thus, for example, pressure foot 1900 of FIG. 19 couldextend from one portion of a housing of a sliding adjustable toggleclamp, and pressure foot 2000 of FIG. 20 could extend from an adjacentportion of the housing of the sliding adjustable toggle clamp.

FIG. 21 illustrates a third variation of a pressure foot, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. Pressure foot 2100 includes ankleportion 2102 and flat portion 2104. Flat portion 2104 includes integralsegment 2106 and separate segment 2108. Separate segment 2108 isconnected to integral segment 2106 via springs or other elastic membersthat allow separate segment 2108 to move during placement on a skinpanel, as described with respect to FIG. 14. In this illustrativeembodiment, pressure foot 2100 does not include a U-shaped arch, such asdescribed with respect to FIG. 19 or FIG. 20. Thus, in some advantageousembodiments, reinforcement to pressure foot 2100 may not be desirable ornecessary.

FIG. 22 through FIG. 23 show another illustrative embodiment of a clampand rail system. The illustrative embodiments shown in FIG. 22 throughFIG. 23 should be viewed together and have similar reference numerals.

FIG. 22 illustrates a manually operated clamp and rail system, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. In particular clamp and railsystem 2200 is designed to operate during the manufacture of stow bin2202, which is intended for installation in an aircraft such as aircraft100 of FIG. 1.

Clamp and rail system 2200 includes manually operated clamp 2204 capableof being positioned along rail 2206, for use in the fabrication andassembly of aircraft stow bins, such as stow bin 2202. Manually operatedclamp 2204 includes sliding pivot 2208 positionable along rail 2206.Lever 2210 attached to sliding pivot 2208 comprises first end 2212including a hand grip and second end 2214 including clamp foot 2216.Clamp foot 2216 remains in a stationary position and applies a force toa workpiece (stow bin 2202), when lever 2210 is positioned so that thedirection of said force is generally normal to said rail 2206.

In an illustrative embodiment, multiple levers are provided. Each levermay be slid along rail 2206 in order to position each lever individuallywith respect to stow bin 2202. Note that clamp and rail system 2200 alsoincludes frame 2218 which is fixed to stow bin 2202.

FIG. 23 illustrates a close-up view of the manually operated clamp andrail system shown in FIG. 22, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. FIG. 23 shows the same clamp and rail system shown in FIG.22. Thus, FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 share common reference numerals.

In particular, FIG. 23 shows how lever 2210 can be pivoted about slidingpivot 2208, as indicated by arrow 2220 and arrow 2222. Pivoting lever2210 will either loosen the clamping force against stow bin 2202, orwill apply the clamping force against stow bin 2202, depending on whereclamp foot 2216 is located relative to stow bin 2202. When clamp foot2216 of lever 2210 is about normal to rail 2206 and to stow bin 2202,then pressure against stow bin 2202 is set to a predetermined amount.The predetermined amount depends on the distance between rail 2206 andstow bin 2202, and the length of lever 2210. When clamp foot 2216 oflever 2210 is not in contact with stow bin 2202, then force is notapplied to stow bin 2202 and sliding pivot 2208 can be slid along groove2224 in rail 2206 to a different position, if desired.

FIG. 24 illustrates use of a specific clamp of the manually operatedclamp and rail system shown in FIG. 22, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Clamp and rail system 2200 in FIG. 24 is thesame clamp and rail system shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 24, additional detailsregarding sliding pivot 2208 are shown. As can be seen in FIG. 24,sliding pivot 2208 includes fulcrum 2226 about which lever 2210 pivots.In turn, fulcrum 2226 is located within body 2228. Body 2228 is insertedinto groove 2224 of rail 2206 such that body 2228 may be slid along rail2206. For example, a rail-shaped protrusion (not shown) in body 2228 canbe inserted into groove 2224. By sliding body 2228 along rail 2206 andby rotating lever 2210 about fulcrum 2226, the location of lever 2210relative to stow bin 2202 and rail 2206 can be changed, and the amountof force applied by lever 2210 to stow bin 2202 can also be changed.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a sliding adjustable toggle clamp, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Sliding adjustable toggleclamp 2500 of FIG. 25 is a variation of sliding adjustable toggle clamp900 of FIG. 9 through FIG. 17, and of clamp and rail system 2200 of FIG.22 through FIG. 24.

Sliding adjustable toggle clamp 2500 may be characterized as a tool forapplying pressure to an inside surface of skin panel 2504 of aircraft2502. Tool 2500 includes pair of rails 2506 attachable to the insidesurface of skin panel 2504. Tool 2500 also includes housing 2508pivotally and slidably connected to pair of rails 2506 between facinginside surfaces of pair of rails 2506 such that housing 2508 ispivotable about a first axis defined between the facing inside surfacesof pair of rails 2506 and through housing 2508, and such that housing2508 is slidable along grooves 2510 of pair of rails 2506. Housing 2508has first end 2512 and second end 2514 opposite each other relative topair of rails 2506.

Tool 2500 also includes rod 2516 having third end 2517 and fourth end2518. Third end 2517 is attached to and extends from first end 2512 ofhousing 2508.

Tool 2500 also includes pressure foot 2520 attached to fourth end 2518of rod 2516. Pressure foot 2520 includes curved ankle 2522 integrallyformed with flat flange 2524. Curved ankle 2522 curves into flat flange2524. Pressure foot 2520 is configured to apply pressure along a portionof the inside surface of skin panel 2504 when housing 2508 is in avertical position relative to the inside surface of skin panel 2504.

The advantageous embodiments described above may be varied. For example,pair of rails 2506 may further include plurality of feet 2526 attachedto pair of rails 2506. Plurality of feet 2526 may have a correspondingplurality of vacuum cups 2528 disposed on ends of plurality of feet2526. In this manner, plurality of rails 2506 is attachable to theinside surface of skin panel 2504.

In another illustrative embodiment, pair of rails 2506 may furtherinclude plurality of hooks and lines 2530. Plurality of hooks and lines2530 may be configured for attachment to stringers or frame members ofthe inside surface of the skin panel.

In another illustrative embodiment, pair of rails 2506 may extend alonga second axis that is about perpendicular to the first axis. In stillanother illustrative embodiment, hole 2532 is disposed inside flatflange 2524 of pressure foot 2520, the hole sized and dimensioned toreceive a drill bit driven from an opposite side of the skin panel.

In a different illustrative embodiment, flat flange 2524 of pressurefoot 2520 may include first portion 2534 integrally formed with curvedankle 2522 of pressure foot 2520. Pressure foot 2520 also may includesecond portion 2536 connected to first portion 2534 only by elasticmember 2538 such that second portion 2536 bends towards housing 2508when housing 2508 is pivoted against the inside surface of skin panel2504. Elastic member 2538 may be a pair of springs.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, pair of rails 2506 each may havegrooves 2510 along a length of pair of rails 2506. In this case, housing2508 includes rods 2540 that extend outside housing 2508 along the firstaxis and into grooves 2510 such that housing 2508 is slidable alonggrooves 2510.

Pair of rails 2506 may be about parallel to each other. Rod 2516 mayhave a cross section in a shape selected from the group consisting of asquare, a circle, a star, or an irregular shape.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, housing 2508 may include firstplurality of holes 2542 disposed on second end 2514 of housing 2508 andarranged along the first axis. In this case, tool 2500 further includesbolt 2544 disposed in any one of first plurality of holes 2542. Bolt2544 may be selectively extendable into any one of first plurality ofholes 2542. In another illustrative embodiment, bolt 2544 may bethreaded and may be selectively extendable into the any one of firstplurality of holes 2542 by screwing bolt 2544 into any one of firstplurality of holes 2542.

In still another illustrative embodiment, first plurality of holes 2542extends entirely through to first end 2512 of housing 2508. In thiscase, rod 2516 is removably attached to any one of first plurality ofholes 2542. Rod 2516 is removably attached in a same hole in which bolt2544 is threaded. Thus, bolt 2544 and rod 2516 are in contact with eachother inside the same hole. In this case, changing a distance that bolt2544 is extended into the same hole changes an amount of force appliedto pressure foot 2520 through rod 2516.

In another illustrative embodiment, housing 2508 includes secondplurality of holes 2546 disposed on first end 2512 of housing 2508 andarranged along the first axis. In this case, rod 2516 is removablyattached to any one of second plurality of holes 2546.

In another illustrative embodiment, second rod 2548 is attached tohousing 2508 about parallel to rod 2516. In this case, second rod 2548is attached to pressure foot 2520 and extends to at least second end2514 of housing 2508. In a related illustrative embodiment, handle 2550may be attached to second rod 2548. In this manner, additional pressureapplied to handle 2550 applies additional pressure through second rod2548 and to pressure foot 2520.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a method for using a sliding adjustable toggleclamp, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Method 2600 is amethod of using a tool, such as tool 2500 of FIG. 25. Method 2600 mayalso be implemented using the devices and techniques described withrespect to FIG. 4 through FIG. 17.

Method 2600 may be characterized as a method for manufacturing anaircraft using a tool. The tool includes a pair of rails attachable toan inside surface of a first skin panel; a housing pivotally andslidably connected to the pair of rails between facing inside surfacesof the pair of rails such that the housing is pivotable about a firstaxis defined between the facing inside surfaces of the pair of rails andthrough the housing, and such that the housing is slidable along thegrooves of the pair of rails, the housing having a first end and asecond end opposite each other relative to the pair of rails; a rodhaving a third end and a fourth end, the third end attached to andextending from the first end of the housing; and a pressure footattached to the fourth end of the housing, the pressure foot comprisinga curved ankle integrally formed with a flat flange, the curved anklecurving into the flat flange, and wherein the pressure foot isconfigured to apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface ofthe first skin panel when the housing is in a vertical position relativeto the inside surface of the first skin panel.

In conjunction with using this tool, method 2600 includes bringingtogether the first skin panel and a second skin panel (operation 2602).Next, method 2600 includes attaching the pair of rails to the insidesurface of the first skin panel (operation 2604). Next, method 2600includes applying a backing force to the second skin panel (operation2606). Next, method 2600 includes pivoting the housing until thepressure foot applies pressure against the inside surface of the firstskin panel against the backing force (operation 2608). In anillustrative embodiment, the method may terminate thereafter.

Method 2600 may include more or fewer operations. In an illustrativeembodiment, an additional operation may include drilling through thesecond skin panel and then through the first skin panel (operation2610). In this case a drill bit extends into a hole disposed in thepressure foot after drilling. Optionally, the method may terminatethereafter.

Method 2600 may be further varied. For example, the housing may alsoinclude a plurality of holes disposed on the second end of the housingand arranged along the first axis; wherein the tool further comprises aplurality of bolts disposed corresponding ones of the plurality ofholes; the plurality of bolts being selectively extendable into theplurality of holes; wherein the plurality of bolts is threaded and isselectively extendable into the plurality of holes by screwing theplurality of bolts into the any one of the plurality of holes; theplurality of holes extend entirely through to the first end of thehousing; wherein the rod is removably attached to any one of theplurality of holes at the first end of the housing; wherein the rod anda corresponding one of the plurality of bolts are in contact with eachother inside a first of the plurality of holes; wherein changing adistance that the corresponding one of the plurality of bolts isextended into the first hole changes an amount of force applied to thepressure foot through the rod.

When the housing includes these additional features, method 2600 mayfurther include removing the rod from the first hole (operation 2612).In this case, method 2600 may further include removably attaching therod into a second hole in the plurality of holes such that the rod is incontact with a second one of the plurality of bolts inside the secondhole (operation 2614). Method 2600 then may further include adjusting asecond distance that the second one of the plurality of bolts extendsinto the second hole (operation 2616). In this manner, an amount ofpressure applied by the pressure foot through the rod may be adjusted.The method may terminate thereafter.

The description of the different illustrative embodiments has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description, and may be notintended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Further, different illustrativeembodiments may provide different features as compared to otherillustrative embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected arechosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theembodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool for applying pressure to an inside surfaceof a skin panel of an aircraft, the tool comprising: a pair of railsthat comprise a first rail and a second rail, a length of the first railextending substantially parallel to a length of the second rail, and thepair of rails attach to the inside surface of the skin panel; the firstrail includes a substantially flat surface; the second rail includes anopposing substantially flat surface that faces, and is substantiallyparallel to, the substantially flat surface of the first rail; a firstgroove in the first rail, the first groove extending along, andsubstantially parallel to, the length of the first rail; a second groovein the second rail, the second groove extending along, and substantiallyparallel to, the length of the second rail; and a housing pivotally andslidably connected to the pair of rails, the housing located between thepair of rails, the housing comprises: a first end, a second end oppositeto the first end, and a peripheral surface extending between the firstend and the second end; the first end comprises a first planar surfaceand a first hole configured to receive a rod; the second end comprises asecond planar surface and a second hole configured to receive a bolt,the first planar surface being substantially parallel to the secondplanar surface, such that the first hole aligns, along a central axissubstantially perpendicular to the first planar surface and secondplanar surface, with the second hole; and first and second indexingprotrusions slidably connected to the first groove and the secondgroove, respectively; wherein the housing pivots about a first axis thatpasses: through the first groove and the second groove, substantiallyperpendicular to the length of the first rail; through the housing; andslides along the first groove and the second groove; the substantiallyflat surface of the first rail is separated from the opposingsubstantially flat surface of the second rail by a distance greater thana length of the second planar surface; the rod comprising a third endand a fourth end, the third end attached to and extending from the firstend of the housing; and a pressure foot attached to the fourth end ofthe rod, such that the pressure foot comprises a curved portionintegrally formed with a flat flange, such that the curved portioncurves into the flat flange, and wherein the pressure foot is configuredto apply pressure along a portion of the inside surface of the skinpanel responsive to the central axis of the housing being substantiallyperpendicular to the inside surface of the skin panel.
 2. The tool ofclaim 1, wherein the pair of rails further comprises: a plurality offeet attached to the pair of rails, the plurality of feet comprising acorresponding plurality of vacuum cups disposed, respectively, on endsof the plurality of feet, such that the pair of rails attach to theinside surface of the skin panel.
 3. The tool of claim 1, wherein thepair of rails further comprises: a plurality of hooks and linesconfigured for attachment to stringers or frame members of the insidesurface of the skin panel.
 4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the pair ofrails extend along a second axis that is about perpendicular to thefirst axis.
 5. The tool of claim 1, wherein a hole is disposed insidethe flat flange of the pressure foot, the hole sized and dimensioned toreceive a drill bit driven from an opposite side of the skin panel. 6.The tool of claim 1, wherein the flat flange of the pressure footcomprises: a first portion integrally formed with the curved portion ofthe pressure foot; and a second portion connected to the first portiononly by an elastic member such that the second portion bends towards thehousing when the housing is pivoted against the inside surface of theskin panel.
 7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the elastic member comprisesa pair of springs.
 8. The tool of claim 1, wherein the rod has a crosssection in a shape selected from the group consisting of: a square, acircle, a star, and an irregular shape.
 9. The tool of claim 1, whereinthe housing further comprises a first plurality of holes disposed on thesecond planar surface, the second hole being among the first pluralityof holes; and wherein the tool further comprises: the bolt disposed inany one of the first plurality of holes, the bolt being selectivelyextendable into any one of the first plurality of holes.
 10. The tool ofclaim 9, further comprising the bolt configured to screw into the anyone of the first plurality of holes.
 11. The tool of claim 10, whereinthe first plurality of holes extend entirely through the housing andcomprise openings on the first planar surface, and wherein the rod isremovably attached at the first end of housing in a same hole, of thefirst plurality of holes, in which the bolt is threaded, wherein thebolt and the rod contact each other inside the same hole, such that achange in a distance that the bolt extends into the same hole changes anamount of force applied to the pressure foot through the rod.
 12. Thetool of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a second plurality ofholes disposed on the first planar surface, the first hole being amongthe second plurality of holes; and wherein the rod is removably attachedto any one of the second plurality of holes.
 13. The tool of claim 1,further comprising: the housing and the second planar surface thereofextended to include an additional hole configured to receive,substantially parallel to the rod, a second rod attached to the housingand to the pressure foot at a first end of the second rod, such that asecond end of the second rod extends through the second planar surfaceto a distance further from the second planar surface than the boltextends away from the second planar surface.
 14. The tool of claim 13,further comprising: a handle attached to the second end of the secondrod, whereby additional pressure applied to the handle appliesadditional pressure through the second rod and to the pressure foot.